The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Association (JADC), The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), SUBARU Corporation and IHI, have concluded an agreement to promote joint research and development of supersonic aircraft technology.
Based on this agreement, JAXA, JADC, SJAC, MHI, KHI, SUBARU and IHI will participate in the international joint development of supersonic aircraft expected around 2030 by Japanese industry. The JSR (Japan Supersonic Research) Council has been established to work on a cooperative system for international joint development of the technology. The consortium notes that although supersonic aircraft that fly faster than sound can significantly reduce flight time and revolutionize air transportation, there are technical issues in realizing this vision from the viewpoint of economic efficiency and environmental compatibility. JAXA states that it has been conducting research and development of supersonic aircraft technology to solve these issues.
In the future, JAXA will lead the activities of the JSR Council and contribute to the expansion of Japan's aircraft industry through research and development of supersonic aircraft technology in which Japan is united.
“Currently, we are proceeding with activities for flight demonstration of all-machine robust low-boom design technology, which is a key technology. This technology is an airframe design technology that can reduce the sonic boom over a wide range and meet the noise standards of supersonic aircraft. By demonstrating this technology in flight, we will contribute to the formulation of international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”